Groundbreaking Set For New Orleans East Hospital

A groundbreaking will be held at 2 p.m., marking the start of a new full-service hospital for New Orleans East. It’s a major step forward in Hurricane Katrina recovery.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is inviting the public to attend the ceremony at the former Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital. Archbishop Gregory Aymond is scheduled to take part, along with city officials and elected representatives.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is insuring a loan of nearly $98 million for the facility, and FEMA is contributing $48 million.

The 80-bed hospital is expected to handle cases including heart attacks and strokes. More complex treatments will be referred to other hospitals in the region.